THEIR WORDS: EXCELLENT AUTOBIOGRAPHIES

Live vicariously through the world’s top sporting stars. We’ve compiled some of the most interesting, moving, funny, profound and memorable autobiographies from across the sporting map for your reading pleasure.

Addicted

by Tony Adams

This astonishingly frank and brutally open recollection of Adams’s days as an alcoholic was a revelation when first released (while the former Arsenal captain was actually still playing), and remains an unforgettable read.

How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver

by Jason Plato

A hilarious and genuinely entertaining read from a driver with a storied and record-breaking career. Some of the book’s highlights include Plato’s recollections of being imprisoned in Monaco and almost killing Bernie Ecclestone.

But Seriously

by John McEnroe

Along with McEnroe’s first memoir Serious, this book is a highly entertaining and typically irreverent look at the life of a truly global tennis star. Those who loved McEnroe’s on court antics or who enjoy his commentary will love this.

Coming Back to Me

by Marcus Trescothick

When it was first released, this challenging and profound book opened up a big debate in the cricketing community on mental health that continues to this day. A must-read for fans of English cricket.

I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic

by Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most entertaining and unique books out there with a footballer’s name on the cover. A truly fascinating story of how the Swede went from stealing bikes in Malmo to gracing the pitches at Old Trafford, the Camp Nou, the San Siro and more.

Beware of the Dog

by Brian Moore

Long known as one of rugby’s true hard men and a beloved member of the BBC commentary team, Moore opens up on his experience of sexual abuse, his glittering city law career and his reputation as one of the most respected (and hated!) players of his day.

No Limits

by Ian Poulter

The rags-to-riches rise of Ian Poulter is one of golf’s most inspiring success stories, and is enchantingly told in this compelling memoir, which includes stories from both on and off the course.

They Don’t Teach This

by Eniola Aluko

A trailblazer in women’s football, Aluko was the first female Match of the Day pundit and held a career as a lawyer alongside playing – for England, Chelsea and Juventus among others. This book is another great accomplishment, delving into topics like identity, success, failure and race.

The Breakaway

by Nicole Cooke

Cooke’s singular and record-breaking career is one of cycling’s real success stories. Learn more about Cooke and her extraordinary combination of grit and talent in this at times outspoken and always charismatic autobiography.

Beyond a Boundary

by C L R James

This masterful work is perhaps not a true autobiography, in that it blends James’s own memoir with social and political commentary on the state of the game, but it’s worth having on your shelf no matter what you call it.

How Not to Be a Football Millionaire

by Keith Gillespie

A complicated, intelligent and totally honest look at how Gillespie – a Northern Irish international who played for Newcastle, Blackburn, Sheffield and Manchester United – gambled away over £7m.

Proud

by Gareth Thomas

The moving and remarkable story of Gareth Thomas, who became the first rugby player and most prominent athlete to come out publicly as gay. A book about denial, acceptance, community and the true spirit of rugby.